Friday, July 18, 2008 MMDA defends anti-flood programs
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it has not fail to address the issue of flooding in the metropolis.
MMDA general manager Robert Nacianceno issued the statement in reaction to criticisms it received following Wednesday's heavy rains that caused flashfloods and the suspension of classes in several parts of Metro Manila.
Nacianceno instead put the blame squarely on the people's lack of discipline especially when it comes to garbage disposal.
"Our men check many of the flooded areas and it showed that gutters and drainage system were clogged with garbage and other debris that residents throw haphazardly," he said.
He said the MMDA in coordination with the 17 local government units in Metro Manila has been doing their flood-control job, but was hampered by the people's lack of discipline and concern for his environment.
"We should learn not to throw garbage anywhere, or we will suffer the consequences like flooding during the occurrence of heavy rains," the official added.
The MMDA has been conducting a year-round clean-up effort of waterways, canals and gutters as part of their anti-flood control efforts.
Many parts of Metro Manila submerged in floodwaters after rains caused by an enhanced monsoon hit the metropolis last Wednesday.
The Department of Education (DepEd) suspended classes in Manila, Malabon, Navotas, Caloocan, Quezon City, Taguig and Las Piñas. School classes were however returned to normal by Thursday after the floods subsided.
Earlier, Parañaque Representative Roilo Golez called on MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando to resign from his post for his alleged failure to fulfill his promise to solve the flooding within a year.
Golez pointed out that last year, Fernando was quoted as saying that there will no longer be flooding in Metro Manila, particularly in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela (Camanava), by 2008. But until now, according to him, this problem has not been resolved.
Aside from clearing the metropolis' drainage system of trash, the MMDA said there will be lesser areas affected by flooding this year with the completion of the P5-billion Camanava Mega Dike Flood Control Project before the year ends.
The agency has also finished repairing five flood pumps in Camanava as part of their preparation for the rainy season. (AH/Sunnex)
